District 2 County Commission candidates say roads and jobs among top issues

MADISON, Alabama -- The three candidates for the District 2 seat on the Madison County Commission agree on at least three things when it comes to the top issues in the area: Roads, jobs and economic development.

Gerald Clark, Steve Haraway and David Michael Smith are facing each other in the March 13 Republican primary for the seat being vacated by longtime Commissioner Faye Dyer, who chose not to run again.

Steve Haraway

Of the three, Haraway, 48, is the only one with political experience. He has served on the Madison City Council for two terms in addition to serving on numerous city and school board committees as both a council member and a parent.

Gerald Clark

Clark, 46, a landscape architect, says working with representatives from the cities of Huntsville and Madison, plus Madison County on several projects, including renovating the downtown square in Huntsville, the canal extension in Big Spring Park and the new Madison Hospital, gives him the best experience needed for the job.

David Michael Smith

Smith, the youngest at 26, believes his military experiences have helped him see the world in a different light. He started thinking about running for public office after seeing people living in "trash houses" in Iraq.

So far Haraway has raised the most money - $22,810 - since November. His largest single contribution was $5,000 from a political action committee, North Alabama PAC, which is listed at the address of lobbyist and former Democratic congressional candidate Steve Raby.

Clark has raised $3,231 since November. One of his largest contributions was $500 from Waterworks Plumbing of Madison. Smith loaned his campaign $3,670 while raising $1,265, mostly through contributions of $100 or less.

The candidates agree traffic congestion in Madison and throughout the district is an important issue, but they also have other concerns they hope to address if elected.

Haraway is worried about changes in local leadership that could affect District 2, which includes Madison, Triana and a slice of western Huntsville.

"We need public servants who understand the function and operation of government and who can be ready to go to work immediately," he said. "District 2 "needs a commissioner with my experience working with developers and business partners to help bring more investment to the district."

Clark is proud of his work with metropolitan leaders in a variety of projects, and he believes cooperation is a key to moving District 2 forward.

"The people I've talked to have two major concerns," said Clark. "They are road congestion and cooperation between Madison County, Huntsville, Madison and Triana. I have the experience and knowledge about what the County Commission does and I understand the needs and problems in District 2, and know how to find a solution."

Smith, who has promised not to take a salary the first year if elected, says the area is in need of economic diversification.

"Diversification will help keep our local economy safe if there is ever any more NASA or Defense (Department) cuts in the future," he said. "We need to expand factories in the (airport area) for those who don't have college degrees. We need to expand Research Park and the biotechnology sector (such as) HudsonAlpha-type companies."

The candidates have mixed feelings on the use of discretionary accounts, about $750,000 in county tax dollars, that can be handed out to schools and local groups each year.

"The funds have advantages and disadvantages," said Smith. "On one hand, a commissioner for a specific district knows what is best for their district over a commissioner on the other side of the county."

But he added, "On the other hand, a commissioner could abuse the power of having the ability to be able to distribute the funds in such a way. If you have someone with integrity as a county commissioner, then having the ability to distribute the funds in the current method benefits the community."

Haraway said the residents of each district "deserve to have their tax dollars spent within their district equally. Once I determine how to allocate the district's funds, I will submit it to the commission for approval as part of the budget package and will be available for all the residents to see where the money is spent."

Clark agrees, saying "People are entitled to have their tax dollars in the district. I would make sure the money is voted on by the commission and then ask the people (who receive the funds) to come back in 90 days to tell how they are spending it. I will spend it where the biggest needs are - schools and road projects - along with economic development to help put together retail opportunities."

Candidate bios:

Name: Gerald ClarkAge: 46Occupation: Landscape architectEducation: 1992 graduate of Auburn University with degree in landscape architecture, 1983 Graduate of Johnson High School Experience: Landscape design architect with Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood; 20 years experience in landscape architecture and civil design; instrumental in design of several Huntsville landmarks, including renovated downtown area on the courthouse square and the canal extension in Big Spring Park; worked on site plans for the new Senior Center in north Huntsville; involved in landscape design for Madison Hospital and more.Family: Wife, Tina, of 16 years; four sons, Stewart, 22, Christopher, 21, Philip, 13, and William, 4, and one granddaughter.

Name: Steve HarawayAge: 48Occupation: Small business ownerEducation: Attended Calhoun Community College, graduate of Bob Jones High SchoolExperience: Small Business owner of a site preparation company; second term on the Madison City Council, where he has served as president and has been on the finance committee; served on Madison Utilities Board of Directors and the Madison County Communications District committee; member of Madison City Schools Capital Planning Committee; president Bob Jones High booster club.Family: Wife, Donna, of 19 years, and two sons, Dustin and Dylan, who attend Bob Jones High.

Name: David Michael SmithAge: 26Occupation: Full time campaignerEducation: Attended the University of Alabama in Huntsville, with a major in political science and a minor in business/economics.Experience: Four years active duty U.S. Army, promoted to sergeant while deployed to Iraq; responsible for over $1 million (budget) at age 21 during his 15-month deployment to Iraq; stationed in Germany, where he wrote a 129-page Standard Operating Procedure manual for Army communications standards, which policy was adopted by entire regiment (approximately 8,000 people). Family: Wife of 3 years, Angelica, also an Army Iraq combat veteran, and a daughter, Leila, born in 2011.

(Updated Wednesday at 9:50 a.m. to include candidates' biographical information).